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CUSPOLOGY

(A Shortened Version of the Cuspology Handbook)

Creative Process Within the Space of Divide

❀ Cuspology is a technique of understanding the archetypes that exist as a ratified formation between the divides of signs. Instead of switching from one way of being into the other, like bipolar personality, we seek to understand the transition zones, developing the ability to reduce a split mentality, and transform into behavior that activates alchemical value. Giving life to these cusp zones is providing insight on complex strategy, furthering a cultivation of coping skills, passions and innate talents. Cuspology seeks astrology through the merges that occur within the duality of signs, aspects, planetary bodies, and sacred points- with a perspective of social justice and healthy sustainable guiding values ❀

*there are links to resources underlined throughout the reading

A famous quote by science-fiction author and futurist, Arthur C. Clarke (12-16-1917):

“I don't believe in astrology; I'm a Sagittarius and we're skeptical.”

Sagittarius is supposed to represent freedom, faith and philosophy- which includes defying that exact statement, whether you identify as a Sagittarius or not. You could be born in February and identify as a symbol of freedom, faith and philosophy if you wanted to- you can even call yourself a Gem-In-Eye! All of the constellations are above us in some dimension, each sign is a part of a chart in some way. The Placebo Effect is a valid scientific effect after all, it’s just how we frame that effect relevant to a design within cultural and political importance. The Greco-Roman lines are not the only truth of drawing constellations and societal norms.

I was skeptical about astrology before I ever looked into it, I had no faith that it may work at all, which is different than the placebo effect’s expectation of relief or disdain. The first article of astrology I ever read was about being born on the “Cusp of Revolution”- it was the word revolution that caught me to read it… I was a social-environmental activist before I ever looked into astrology, and when the site started to describe my Sun’s cusp sign as a revolutionary, anti-authority, be your own boss type- it resonated with me before I ever consciously believed in it- I was appealed to, then my placebo effect had roots to grow, after the fact. The faith that’s been put into astrology collectively in the past, and in those people’s death, an energy that cannot be destroyed but transferred, permeated and makes astrology seem mystically relevant. Sort of like how language is something we are born into having to use, the set up of astrological faith was already here before I was born. There are descriptions that I have no faith in whatsoever… but sometimes, even if I don’t have faith in something, it could still be true- like how astrology is not exactly a science, but occult; subconscious forms of manipulation.

Since the first astrology article I ever read was about my cusp sign, all of my astrology inquiries afterwards came from a place of believing in that, and it’s taken me to a realm where I’ve coined Cusplogy as a reading of astrology through the perspective of cusps being a collaborative, transformative tantra practice of becoming. For example, if Mercury is in the realm of Taurus, I’d read that energy as a collaboration of the two forces, like a cusp- one as a planetary mode, the other as it’s expressive forte’. So Cuspology is not only about analyzing sign cusps, but reading a chart based on temperance and alchemy. Cuspology is just as much about decolonizing Greco-Roman norms, as much as it is about recalibrating a more peaceful and just version of their sign-collaborative archetypes.

My practice is very similar to a regular astrologer, except I don’t declare war against cusps by denying their existence, I work with them peacefully and for the benefit of healing divides, because I find that necessary. I am not denying the boundaries between signs- the differences that must exist within discernment is what makes the beauty of diversity a unique contribution. Degrees are a division to precise points, cusps are a process of energy archetype on a broader level, that degrees can represent too. I just can see how the 2 types of energy can chrysalis; transforming from one way of being into another, how the same soul can emerge with a new understanding of personal power and control through a process of internal to external transformation. There is a realm between signs that encapsulates a metamorphical archetype with its own service and power.

Ptolemy was among the first to write in depth about Astrology in their book Tetrabiblios, because in ancient times, Astronomy and Astrology used to be practiced together. Compared to modern times, science refutes astrology as legitimate because it is philosophical and based on archetypal myths, which is why it was often used by politicians trying to control the perspectives of faith, to control the people. Ptolemy admitted this, that the accuracy of Astronomy was more true than the accuracy of Astrological claims, yet it was still relevant to them and to people today, because of the subconscious faith and the power of the placebo effect with quantum implication; being tactics of societal manipulation to develop the type of collective or hive mindset wanted by history’s so called “victors” :

“One (Astronomy) which is first both in order and in effectiveness, we apprehend the aspects of the movements of sun, moon, and stars in relation to each other and to the earth, as they occur from time to time; the second (Astrology) is that in which by means of the natural character of these aspects themselves we investigate the changes which they bring about in that which they surround. The first (Astronomy), which has its own science, desirable in itself, does not attain the result given by its combination with the second (Astrology), and has been expounded to you as best we could in its own treatise by the method of demonstration.

We shall now give an account of the second and less self-sufficient method (Astrology), in a properly philosophical way, so that one whose aim is the truth might never compare its perceptions with the sureness of the first (Astronomy), unvarying science, for they ascribe to it the weakness and unpredictability of material qualities found in individual things, nor yet refrain from such investigation as is within the bounds of possibility, when it is so evident that most events of a general nature draw their causes from the enveloping heavens.

But since everything that is hard to attain is easily assailed by the generality of humans, and in the case of these two disciplines, the allegations against the first could be made only by the blind, while there are specious grounds for those levelled at the second- for its difficulty in parts has made them think it completely incomprehensible, or the difficulty of escaping what is known has disparaged even its object as useless -we shall try to examine briefly the measure of both the possibility and the usefulness of such prognostication (prophesizing/predicting) before offering detailed instruction on the subject.”

(The Introduction of Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblios)

It’s paradoxical, how our fate has been somewhat determined as we come into the world (like our name or our sex), but it is also to be determined by ourselves at the same time, as we gain the self-actualizing consciousness and will power to control our gravity, and realizing those who seek to control our gravity. Some of us are born into harsher circumstances than others, and we are forced to determine ourselves based on our relationship with “oppression” and “freedom,” due to the patterns of the past that were inherited.

The “Eastern” idea of Dharma and Karma arises from Samsara’s suffering circle, being that we were born into this life for a reason, and how we work to supplement it is the journey of our purpose… I’m an Omnist, which is like an Agnostic, but further acknowledges that every religion has some truth to it, yet no religion is the one and only truth. Similar to how there are multiple languages in the world, they are all used as a method of communication within existence, as a tool- and language, like religion and astrology, has been used as a tool for domination and colonization- as well as a tool for liberation and self actualization. It’s as real as you collectively make it, because language and religion are enforced agreements that we make real and build our realities upon their systemic constructs.

As a cusp-based asdrawloger, not only do I focus on the Greco-Roman astrology sign cusps, but I also discuss the importance of deconstructing them and repurposing them for the sake of honoring diversity and healing the past so the present and future can function better. I encourage the cultivation of internal & external peace-making by asking people to study the astrology methods of the Vedic, Mayan, Lakota, African, Egyptian, Chinese, Celtic, etc… so that the gravity isn’t only tied to just one cultural lore, and so that a person could really gather what supports their faith best through the research of various worldviews. Many agree that both Tropical and Sidereal astrology, as well as other astrological models like the diversity mentioned above, are accurate and valued- instead of validating only one of them as the only truth, which is a supremist mindset that does not acknowledge the collective feeling of “truth.” When we are trying to find ourselves, various perspectives can make our personality richer and uniquely relative.

Astronomical Astrology tries to pinpoint the actual scientific astronomy calculations to where the planets are mathematically, in relation to Earth as much as possible- it includes a 13th sign, Ophiuchus, between Scorpio and Sagittarius, and it sections off the constellations based on their actual sizes instead of each one having an equal 30/360 degrees, like in Tropical or Sidereal (Scorpio is the smallest of the 13 signs, and Virgo is the largest). The Astronomical dates are very similar to the Sidereal dates, but are not exactly the same. Despite trying to be as accurate as possible, this version of Astrology isn’t as popularized as Tropical and Sidereal, even though it claims to be the most scientifically sound mode of Western astrology.

To cusp between signs is to create an archetype that understands and symbolizes alchemical transformation and polar simultaneity, like a peace within duality. Not only should we consider the cusps of the popular Greco-Roman signs, but also wonder what it means to consciously combine the forces of all diverse modes of astrology into one unique power of self-actualization. Sort of like trying to comprehend how the world’s collective view is tuning into the effects of faith in the divine, for yourself. Especially since the Greco-Roman astrology has been historically used to oppress some people, and privilege others- we could do well to initiate an esoteric checks & balances, taking our gravity back.

As I tap into the collective while writing this, there seems to be a feeling of constant striving, but with no results that actually feel satisfactory-enough, due to the creation of faith in “debt,” which has created a confines of survival for a greedy regime. I feel like part of that is because of the highjacked belief system and use of subconscious warfare- the danger of being told that a specific book or set of social norms is meant to dictate or guide the faith in yourself and the word around you. However, sometimes the guidelines are helpful for finding purpose, it just depends what it is you are exposed to and have passed down from your caretakers. No one's going to get your power back for you, you gotta do that for you, because it’s the faith you have in yourself that makes you matter and take action upon your pursuits. Everybody is an “activist” be-cause everybody takes actions in their lives to self-actualize- but a good activist knows what is just and deeply dutiful. Everybody is an “advocate” be-cause we add our voice to conversations every day- but a good advocate knows which conversations are worth their communication; common unification, come unity, community.

Understanding the notion of being “white” and changing the culture of oppression from within, rather than appropriating other culturual ways, due to having disassociated with “white” culture (not wanting to be like the oppressor)- I have to do the work to change the systems my ancestors built to dominate others. I have to make deconstructing white supremacy, a theme of my own personal culture- to build a “post-whitedom culture” that is not so corrupted, so it can evolve to be more diversely calibrated and empowered. I seek to change the Latin-based astrology culture with these Cuspology ideals, and be a part of the decolonizing astrology discussion, shifting the systemic gravity with a re-education of star mythology. There is a difference between studying and including other cultures in your prayers, verses appropriating them as your own without acknowledging the actual people who’s lineages come from those cultures, and without seeking the understanding of their current life circumstances and politics. Do not study another culture’s astrology unless you plan to value that culture and presently honor it in some way. Indigenous cultures are still alive, communicate with them; respect and befriend.

Guaranteed if not the Sun, there are other planets or points in a chart on a cusp. A conjunction aspect is like a cusp energy because it’s two different planets or calculations combining energies within a sign and house realm. Acknowledging the Sun’s ecliptic motions (Tropical), in conjunction to the stars’ location relative to Earth (Sidereal), the two popular West/East models can cusp each other, to validate both directions of the compass; as we come-to-pass on our ways of being. Unifying them, and finding their midpoint, helps us heal the subconscious war between East and West, and within ourselves- helping us to understand mediation. How an Aries-Mars is to external-warfare, like physical strength, a Scorpio-Mars is to the internal-warfare, like psychological/subconscious strength- and we have to have both types of strength in our conscious being, knowing both modes of war exist, even if described by a different name- it must require a gravity of faith in yourself to actually work-out, catalyzing your own metaphorical placebo effect for success.

There are various ways to draw houses in a chart (for example, Placidus or Whole Sign), and there are various ways to draw signs (for example, Astronomical, Sidereal, Tropical, or Mayan Count), but the planets and stars are where they are regardless of where those lines are drawn or casted, regardless of what we name them- same with the apogees, perigees, nodes, and other mathematical calculations in relation to them. Planetary Astronomy focuses on that fact (I took Astrobiology, and Planetary Astronomy courses in college). Why would the lines of house cusps be valid, but the lines of sign cusps can’t be? Especially when the constellation lines themselves are made up- spawned by ancient ancestors, and reinforced over generations. The 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, are there only because of the need to label star clusters in order to continue calculation studies logically. Those constellations follow what history has told us to relate to- but they are also named after a version of history that has been known to maintain supremacy of the light skinned and men, while perpetuating the oppression of the dark skinned and women.

So the cusps are creating a strategy of experiencing peace between two divided realms or more; a creative entity within the space of divides, reading between the lines. Of course we as cusp signs are to be met with opposition right off the bat, because much of the astrology community refuses to acknowledge us, and being this way is a process of breaking free from conformity- the theme of decolonization naturally thread into it. If we do not practice being in conflict within our lives, through being open to correcting our errors and developing technique, we will never achieve the strength of wisdom, communication, and the skills of healing and regenerating community.

Technically, the Sun can only be on a cusp for twelve hours at a time during a month, however the effect is felt within a 6 day period, or just by manifesting one's a own meditative conception of the energy. A planet’s sign as we know it, has to fall on a specific point because of computational software- built on 0 & 1 code, based on boundaries drawn according to the type of astrology measurements you want to choose (ex: Tropical, Sidereal, Draconic, etc…). Planets must occur on a point in one or the other sign at a 60-second window, because software is programmed that way inherently, so the degrees are to be precisely specific. If it was programmed differently and designed with cusps in mind, we would have a different perception of this reality. The single Sabian Symbol, or Decan and Nakshatra descriptions, are helpful for our depictions- but when it comes to the combined realm of the cusp where the degrees occur, we have discernment. I have also been channeling my own degree symbol descriptions, taking the gravitational power back. Reading into and feeling out the orb of those degree explanations gives us a better contextual feel of the experience. Each transition into a sign is a catalyst of change and transformation- which is the kind of energy our society needs today to break free from oppressive and polluted regimes and routines.

In being within my personal truth, I feel the cusp energy (as many others do), because being doesn’t just occur at a specific point directed by others, it’s also an on-going experience you create with the faith held in yourself. That’s why orbs exist, within 2-10 degrees (based on your personal truth- some say the orb size depends on the planet, I say up to 10 degrees because most people have 10 fingers and 10 toes- but that’s pushing it, literally). Orbs exist because energy acts as combined set of multi-directional force, and there is a halo effect when it comes to light and heat, and we each have a unique process of becoming attuned between the points of focus. We do not touch the fire to get warm, we stand in the the midst of it’s subtle energy halo.

The Sun is not just a tiny point, it exudes rays of light for thousands of miles, its “orb” is what gives us life, in fact the neighborhood of Earth is called the “Habitable Zone”- the orb-plane of the Sun. Of course, the heat of the Sun would kill us up close, as it’s core, like the Earth, keeps it in place gravitationally, we hue mans cannot exist at the very core without burning to death… which is like a metaphor for life in itself- everybody trying to make their own point in the core of society, while also surrendering to a realm of common thought and relativity in which we all live (the orb). I am thankful for believing we can transform our self perceptions and societal subscriptions to heal the pollution that’s been killing us all.

Who's to say those constellation lines are 100% ruling over our personal gravity anyways? Astrologers of course! Why do we have to label and categorize so much so that we enact wars based on topics, rather than actions (like race, religion, gender, or cusps)? How does my being a Cuspologer really offend your way of life? The ideals of astrology, race, and religion only work in reality because of experiential agreements and reinforcement, the literature indoctrinated prior to our birth, the influence it has had on the architecture of society, and the subconscious and physical rituals connecting to the spiritual divine that those lines drawn are considered “sacred” to.

The Sun, Moon, Venus- what have you, go through these constellation lines over time as an experience. In the sense of your Rising Sign degrees- coming out of your mom is not just all the sudden (if it’s rushed, there is a higher risk of a larger rip in the fabric of the mother’s life-canal), so it’s a patiently painful process, even in a C-section labor. When the umbilical cord is still connected, does your birth time really start when it’s cut, or only when you come out? Sort of like how chart progressions can be so relevant (my current progression has my NN conjunct Venus while writing this). The progression is a process of shifting the self-perspective into a “matured” view of our charts. We are not just all of the sudden in one sign or the other, like how the seasons don’t happen overnight, even though the software and calculation exacts are, and so we argue to direct our points.

The leaves don't fall off the tree all in one day, gusts of wind pluck them off gradually… we don’t just quit an addiction- we quit the physical processes, the mental desires, the egotistical connections, over time. The habitat of the mountaintop, to the river valley below, doesn't just snap from one to the other, naturally the land changes over time- the ecocline gradient - where the parts between habitats are like cusp-zones of the environment. A rainbow shows its separate colors, the parts we are sure of, with the cusps of colors in between them, wherein we infinitely try to define those cusp colors, and argue about which color is which- to the point where arguing about it is just illogical indeterminacy. Or we just celebrate the rainbow for it’s unexplainable beauty… The sacred 7 main colors we see are not the full light spectrum- butterflies, see more colors than we hue-mans tend to, their fuzzy eyeballs have multiple photo-reflectors that see myriads of rainbow, when we only see shades of green (when looking at trees for example).

Why must things always have to have an exact point of time to explain them? Well, to make precise calculations of course, but it is impossible to explain everything truly, yet we use language, religion, astrology, and especially science and math, as collective tools to explain these unexplainable adventures of knowing. When feeling experiences exist within a halo-zone of being (like an aspect orb), we have multidimensional cusp-senses that make us unique to that moment. There is a space between the object and it’s halo- a clear, dark zone, between the planet and it’s ring; the shadow between the light, the subconscious between the unconscious and conscious.

See the space between the halo rainbow of the Sun’s reflection upon